I may receive some death threats for delineating this, but the summer verily is coming to an end! As the Autumnal Equinox looms in near future (September 22, 2010), and we start preparing for a new season by packing away our short shorts, tank tops and flip flops, perhaps we can take some solace in the fact that we do not have to pack away an iconic staple of the summer season: our sunglasses! Actually, we should never be without our beloved shades regardless of the season. Though we may not be able to relish in summer weather 365 days a year, we do have to contend with one of the most harmful aspects of the summer everyday of the year.
What is the number one cause of preventable vision impairment and visible signs of aging (think crow’s feet) globally? Known more commonly as UV, ultra violet rays emitted by the sun are just not a summer season phenomenon; the sun emits them everyday regardless if the sun is visible! Believe it or not, a grey overcast day in November can be as harmful as a bright sunny day in July.
There are three types of UV rays: A, B and C, the former two are of concern to Earthlings. Unless you are planning your next to the outer limits of our atmosphere, UV C does not pose any real concerns to humans. Here is an easy way to remember how UV rays affect us: UV A is for Aging, these UV rays are the major cause of visible signs of ageing, and UV B is for Burning, these rays are a major cause of visual impairments including macular degeneration.
I know all this can sound a bit frightening, but fret not there is an easy and extremely fashionable way to prevent the harmful effects of a depleting ozone! The new “it” accessory, sunglasses, not only makes a personal statement, but also has the utility that few other accessories can compete with (what other fashion accessory ensures you continue to look fantastic even when not in use?). Sunglasses no longer are a seasonally restricted item, but now enjoy the spotlight all year round (perhaps thanks to fashion icons such as Mr. Lagerfeld and the Ms. Wintour), with many fashion houses launching fall/winter collections alongside their spring/summer ones.
Sunwear collections are launched twice a year and the trends last for about two years. However, classic shapes and colours are never dated! So they are definitely a wise investment! With a multitude of brands and styles, there is a perfect pair for everyone! So, as we embrace for the impending fate the season change brings, we can still hold on to a summer ritual well into the new season and all year round: not leaving our abodes without a pair of shades! You’ll look great and your eyes and the sensitive skin around your eyes will thank you!
Below are four styles that are considered an “aviator” style, one of the most iconic shapes in sunwear. As you will notice, each brand adds their own unique touch to this classic shape, playing with material, colour and construction. From innovative and bold to classic and understated, there is a look and shape for all!
“Boyds” (Badgley Mischka), 2010 “Balmain 1″ ( Oliver Peoples collaboration with Balmain), 2010
Thomas Lelu x Liquid Architecture x Theirry Lasry (Thierry Lasry), 2010
5011 (Bvlgari), 2010
This is my first of many posts on the topic of sun and eyewear! With sunwear and eyewear being declared by many fashion insiders as the new “it” must have it will be my pleasure to introduce you to this exciting world! You can look forward to topics such as sunwear and eyewear wardrobing, trends for 2010/2011 for men and women, highlights from various sunwear collections from know and not so known brands and much more! If you have any questions or would like a certain topic covered I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading,
Nabs, The Eye Guy ’0-0′